THE Riverland is set to become the face of the AgTech sector, as the State Government launches the state’s first regional business hub and demonstration farm in Loxton.
In a partnership between the State Government and the University of Adelaide’s ThincLab, an AgTech incubator and AgTech demonstration farm has been established at the Loxton Research Centre, with the aim of showing producers in the region the productivity benefits of taking up innovative technology.
Interested regional farmers and growers will be provided with desk space for up to two years at the Loxton centre, where mentors will work one-on-one with them on topics such as business strategy, marketing and branding.
“I think the key to success here will be that these farms will have an open door policy,” said Tim Whetstone, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development.
“It will allow them to come in, and look and learn, but also, if they have ideas or needs, they’ll be able to come into the research station or the demonstration farms and see firsthand what we’re doing there.
“It’ll be a bit of a magnet and an attraction hub for other start-up and entrepreneurial businesses, and so, the more that we can attract them and the conversation we’re having here now is that people are looking at crossing over different sectors.”
Loxton’s old research station sports a proud history in agricultural innovation, particularly with soil moisture monitoring, salinity and mitigation.
Mr Whetstone said between this and the recent upgrades to the facility, the town’s research centre was the “perfect place” for the new ThincLab.
“The technology that was developed here is now being used worldwide,” he said.
“But I think by in large, the walls are adorned in the history that was achieved here, and some of the great pioneers, particularly in irrigation and water, they came out of this facility.
“As the minister responsible, it gives me the opportunity to pull the levers and reinvigorate the centre so (the Loxton Research Centre) can once again, be a proud part of the Riverland’s history.”
Mr Whetstone said the launch was an “exciting” step forward that could potentially be a game changer for regional South Australia.
“I think AgTech not only brings us along with what the future needs with the primary industries, but it’s also a stimulant or attractant to the millennial – they’re our future.
“(A millennial’s brain) thinks differently from a baby boomer’s brain – they think differently, they operate differently – and that’s why they will be able to promote and need AgTech to do what they do for the future of primary production.
“The agriculture industry is undergoing a technological revolution across the world, and with a reputation for both excellent produce and innovation, South Australia is perfectly positioned to lead the AgTech revolution in Australia.”
The Loxton ThincLab is the fifth to be established, joining the ranks of the university’s labs at its North Terrace and Waite campuses, as well as its labs in Singapore and France.